Original interpretations of the traditional Jewish story of moving from oppression to liberation address up-to-the-moment challenges to freedom worldwide
New York, NY – At a time of global turmoil, when the voices of intolerance in the U.S. and around the world are growing louder, American Jewish World Service (AJWS) today published the second edition of the AJWS Global Justice Haggadah, Next Year in a Just World. The AJWS Haggadah connects the traditional story of Passover—moving from slavery to freedom—to the responsibility of contemporary Jews to pursue justice around the world today.
Drawing from AJWS’s international humanitarian work, the Next Year in a Just World Haggadah is a meaningful and beautiful addition to the Seder table, including photography from around the world featuring human rights advocates working for freedom in their communities. Next Year in a Just World is a new guide for the modern Seder, including original contemporary readings on key Seder rituals—from the 4 cups to the 10 plagues to Dayenu. It also includes Hebrew text, transliteration and translation for the main highlights of the liturgy.
“As Passover approaches, we invite all who celebrate this holiday with a Seder to connect the Jewish story of moving from slavery to freedom with the stories of some of the poorest and most oppressed people in the world who are suffering today,” said Robert Bank, President and CEO of AJWS. “Especially at a time when it feels as if the voices of hate and intolerance are dominating our lives, we are proud to share this social justice Haggadah. Next Year in a Just World takes us on a journey of solidarity with people suffering from injustice today and inspires Jews to support other communities that are moving from oppression to freedom.”
The volumes features:
- The four cups as a four-part framework for social justice activism: awakening, solidarity, action and freedom;
- Original readings on key elements of the Seder—from the 10 Plagues to the 4 Questions to Dayenu… and more;
- Discussion questions for individual or group reflection;
- Modern parallels to the Passover story featuring contemporary stories of people seeking freedom and pursuing human rights around the world; and
- Special quotes shared with AJWS from leading Jewish public figures, including Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Chancellor Arnold Eisen of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, and actor and recording artist Mandy Patinkin.
You can download the AJWS Global Justice Haggadah, Next Year in a Just World, at www.ajws.org/haggadah.
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American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is the leading Jewish organization working to realize human rights and end poverty in the developing world. AJWS defends civil and political rights, advances sexual health and rights, promotes climate justice and aids communities in the aftermath of disasters. We pursue lasting change by supporting grassroots and global human rights organizations in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and by advocating for U.S. and international policies for justice and equality worldwide.
For More Information
If you are a member of the press and wish to obtain information about our work or speak to a member of our global team on deadline, please contact Tanyanika Davis, Director of Media Relations, at tdavis@ajws.org.
